Systems and methods for recovering and controlling post-recovery motion of unmanned aircraft

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for recovering unmanned aircraft and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft are disclosed herein. An aircraft recovery system for handling an unmanned aircraft in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a base portion and an elongated aircraft capture member having a first end movably coupled to the base portion and a second, free end opposite the first end. The aircraft capture member includes a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion and positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight. The first and/or second portions are generally flexible. The system further includes an energy capture and dissipation assembly operably coupled to the aircraft capture member and positioned to receive at least a portion of the landing forces from the aircraft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of International Application Serial No. PCT/US10/32314, filed Apr. 23, 2010, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECOVERING AND CONTROLLING POST-RECOVERY MOTION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/172,663, filed Apr. 24, 2009, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECOVERING AND CONTROLLING POST-RECOVERY MOTION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for recovering unmanned aircraft and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned aircraft or air vehicles (UAVs) provide enhanced and economical access to areas where manned flight operations are unacceptably costly and/or dangerous. For example, unmanned aircraft outfitted with remotely operated movable cameras can perform a wide variety of surveillance missions, including spotting schools of fish for the fisheries industry, monitoring weather conditions, providing border patrols for national governments, and providing military surveillance before, during, and/or after military operations.

Many unmanned aircraft systems (which can include the aircraft itself along with launch devices and recovery devices), however, can be difficult to install and operate in cramped quarters, such as the deck of a small fishing boat, land vehicle, or other craft. Accordingly, operating such aircraft systems often includes retrieving or capturing the aircraft with a flexible recovery line when space is insufficient for a normal landing run. While this technique has proven successful in many instances, there is a continual need to improve the effectiveness of systems with which aircraft are recovered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic illustration of a system configured to recover an unmanned aircraft in flight and control post-recovery motion of the aircraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2F are partially schematic illustrations of a system and method for recovering an unmanned aircraft in flight and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3F are partially schematic illustrations of a system and method for recovering an unmanned aircraft in flight and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4D are partially schematic illustrations of a system and method for recovering an unmanned aircraft in flight and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a partially schematic illustration of a distal portion of an aircraft capture member configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a partially schematic illustration of still another embodiment of an aircraft capture member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a partially schematic illustration of an aircraft recovery system configured in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for recovering unmanned aircraft and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft. Many specific details of certain embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-5C to provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments. Well-known structures, systems, and methods often associated with such systems have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that additional embodiments may be practiced without several of the details described below.

A. Embodiments of Systems and Methods for Recovering and Controlling Post-Recovery Motion of Unmanned Aircraft

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic illustration of an aircraft recovery system 100 configured to intercept and recover an unmanned aircraft (not shown) in flight and control post-recovery motion of the aircraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The aircraft recovery system 100 can include, for example, a base portion 102 (shown schematically) and an elongated flexible rod or aircraft capture member 104 attached to the base portion 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible rod 104 has a first end movably coupled to the base portion 102 via an attachment member or joint 106, and a second free end positioned to intercept the aircraft. The joint 106 is configured to allow the flexible rod 104 to pivot (as shown in broken lines) relative to the base portion 102 before, during, and after intercepting the unmanned aircraft in flight. The system 100 further includes an energy capture and dissipation assembly 108 (shown schematically) operably coupled to the flexible rod 104. When an aircraft impacts the aircraft recovery system 100, the flexible rod 104 releasably captures the aircraft and the system 100 is configured to absorb and dissipate the aircraft's landing forces and recover the aircraft. Once captured, the aircraft can be suspended from the flexible rod 104 by one of its wings or another suitable component of the aircraft, or by a capture line carried by the aircraft. Further details regarding the aircraft recovery system 100 and use of the system 100 to recover and control post-recovery motion of aircraft are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-5C.

The base portion 102 can include a wide variety of different structures (e.g., generally rigid, semi-rigid, and/or inflatable) configured to support the flexible rod 104 during capture and recovery operations. In general, the base portion 102 is configured to (a) hold the flexible rod 104 at a desired position before capture operations (e.g., canted or angled relative to the ground and toward the aircraft), and (b) support the flexible rod 104 during capture and recovery to help prevent the aircraft and its components from hitting the ground or surrounding structures with excessive force. The base portion 102 is configured to rest on the ground or a suitable support platform (e.g., a truck or other suitable land vehicle, a boat or other water vessel, a building, or other suitable vehicles and/or structures). In other embodiments, the base portion 102 can have a different arrangement and/or can be composed of different materials. Moreover, the base portion 102 may not be included in some embodiments. In such instances, the flexible rod 104 may be supported using other suitable support assemblies and/or may be a self-supporting component.

The flexible rod 104 can include a first portion 110 and a second portion 112 at a distal end of the first portion 110. The first and second portions 110 and 112 are aligned with each other (at least initially before capture and recovery operations) and extend along a longitudinal axis of the flexible rod 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second portions 110 and 112 are integral with each other. In other embodiments, however, the first and second portions 110 and 112 may be separate components that are fixedly or releasably attached or mated together. In one embodiment, for example, the individual portions of the flexible rod 104 may be coupled together via a resilient line or cable (e.g., an elastic cord). Moreover, the individual portions of the flexible rod 104 may have a telescoping or articulating arrangement relative to each other. In still other embodiments, the flexible rod 104 may not include separate portions, or the flexible rod 104 may include three or more discrete portions.

The first portion 110 and the second portion 112 can have a variety of different dimensions and configurations depending upon the desired operational requirements. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first portion 110 has a first cross-sectional dimension D₁ and a first length L₁, and the second portion 112 has a second cross-sectional dimension D₂ and a second length L₂ less than the first cross-sectional dimension D₁ and the first length L₁, respectively. In other embodiments, however, the first and second portions 110 and 112 may have a different arrangement relative to each other. For example, the first and second portions 110 and 112 may have the same cross-sectional dimension and/or the second portion 112 may have a different length relative to the first portion 110.

In another aspect of this embodiment, a distal portion of the flexible rod 104 can be positioned at an elevation E above the local surface (e.g., the ground shown in FIG. 1). The elevation E can vary based upon the configuration of the flexible rod 104, the configuration of the aircraft (not shown), and the local environment. One feature of the system 100 is that the elevation E only needs to be as high as the anticipated capture elevation. Thus, the overall length of the flexible rod 104 can be significantly less than many existing aircraft capture devices that require much greater deployment elevations. An advantage of this feature is that the flexible rod 104 may be easier to store and/or transport than larger, existing aircraft capture systems. Moreover, the aircraft may be easier to retrieve after capture because of the reduced capture elevation.

The flexible rod 104 can be composed of a carbon fiber material, a carbon graphite material, fiberglass, other composite materials (e.g., carbon/graphite or graphite/boron composites), bamboo, or another suitable material having the desired material characteristics. The selected material, for example, should have the strength and flexibility to intercept and capture an aircraft when it flies into the flexible rod 104 and, once captured, to suspend the aircraft by one of its wings or another suitable capture mechanism carried by the aircraft. In one particular aspect of this embodiment, the first portion 110 has a first stiffness and the second portion 112 has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. The second portion 112 is accordingly more flexible than the first portion 110 and is configured to bend or flex more than the first portion 110 during operation. Further details regarding this feature are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2F. In other embodiments, however, the first and second portions 110 and 112 may have the same or approximately the same stiffness. In still other embodiments, the first and/or second portions 110 and 112 may be composed of one or more materials having different qualities and/or characteristics than those discussed above.

In several embodiments, at least part of the second portion 112 of the flexible rod 104 may be covered or coated with a relatively soft, rope-like material 113 or other suitable material configured to provide enhanced grip for the hook portion carried by the aircraft. The material, for example, can be relatively soft, flexible sheath over a desired part of the second portion 112 or an external coating or layer applied directly onto the second portion 112 of the flexible rod 104. The sheath or external coating is expected to reduce and/or inhibit slipping of the hook portion of the aircraft during capture, and is also expected to strengthen the second portion 112 and make the flexible rod 104 more resilient in tension along a longitudinal axis of the flexible rod 104. In other embodiments, one or more additional parts of the flexible rod 104 (e.g., at least part of the first portion 110) may include the sheath or coating. In still other embodiments, the first and/or second portions 110 and 112 may include one or more ridges or protrusions positioned to prevent or inhibit the hook from the aircraft from slipping off the flexible rod 104. The sheath/coating/ridges, however, are optional features that may not be included in some embodiments.

The energy capture and dissipation assembly 108 can include a hydraulic damper, a pneumatic damper, plastically deforming material(s), a passive takeup reel, a brake, or other suitable damping devices configured to dissipate the aircraft's kinetic energy. One feature of the energy capture and dissipation assembly 108 is that the assembly is expected to provide precise control of the forces associated with capture and recovery of the aircraft. Accordingly, recovery and energy management can be closely controlled throughout the capture and recovery process. This feature is expected to help inhibit and/or prevent damage to the aircraft during capture operations. In other embodiments, the energy capture and dissipation assembly can have a different configuration and/or include different features. In still other embodiments, the system 100 does not include the energy capture and dissipation assembly 108.

In operation, the system 100 can be deployed to a desired location and configured as the primary device for capture and recovery operations. The system 100, for example, may be a modular system and an operator can transport the system components in a generally disassembled or partially assembled state to a landing zone and assemble the components on-site. In another embodiment, however, the system 100 may be transported to the desired landing zone in a generally assembled configuration.

The aircraft recovery system 100 is a scalable system that can be used as a primary aircraft recovery system for a variety of different aircraft configurations and/or arrangements. For example, as mentioned above, the flexible rod 104 can have an overall length and cross-sectional dimension based, at least in part, on the particular dimensions of the aircraft to be recovered, the operational conditions of the aircraft, and/or the operational considerations of the system 100 (e.g., the location of the system 100, the desired transportability of the system 100, etc.).

FIGS. 2A-2F are partially schematic illustrations of the system 100 recovering an unmanned aircraft 200 in flight and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 2A and 2B, for example, are a top view and a side view, respectively, of the aircraft 200 approaching the system 100 before capture. The aircraft 200 can include a fuselage 201, a pair of wings or lifting surfaces 202 extending outwardly from the fuselage 201, and a propeller 204 positioned at the aft end of the fuselage 201 to propel the aircraft 200 during flight. The individual wings 202 include a leading edge 210, a trailing edge 212, and an outboard edge 214. Each wing 202 can also include an upwardly extending winglet 203 at the outboard edge 214 for lateral stability and control. The aircraft 200 further includes an engagement or capture device 216 at the outboard edge 214 of each wing 202. In other embodiments, the engagement device 216 may have a different configuration and/or may be positioned at another suitable location on the aircraft 200. In addition, the aircraft 200 may include a different number of engagement devices 216.

In this embodiment, the flexible rod 104 is angled or canted toward the aircraft 200. One advantage of this arrangement is that it can provide a larger range of movement for the flexible rod 104 after capture of the aircraft 200. In other embodiments, however, the flexible rod 104 may have a generally vertical arrangement or another arrangement relative to the aircraft's local flight path and the local surface (e.g., the ground shown in FIG. 2B).

Referring next to FIG. 2C, the aircraft 200 intercepts the free end of the flexible rod 104 and the second portion 112 of the flexible rod 104 and the leading edge 210 of one of the wings 202 slide relative to each other toward the corresponding engagement device 216. Referring now to FIG. 2D, the engagement device 216 at the outboard edge 214 of the wing 202 receives and retains part of the second portion 112 of the flexible rod 104, thus causing the aircraft 200 to begin to yaw or rotate toward the flexible rod 104. The force of impact with the aircraft 200 also causes the flexible rod 104 to pivot or move relative to the base portion 102. In FIG. 2D, for example, the flexible rod 104 has moved from its initial angled or canted arrangement to a generally vertical position. Moreover, the second portion 112 of the flexible rod 104 has begun to flex or bend in response to the aircraft's momentum. It will also be appreciated that the first portion 110 of the flexible rod 104 may also flex or bend during capture operations. Moreover, in some embodiments the base 102 may also be configured to move or articulate in a predetermined manner to help absorb the energy of impact.

Referring now to FIG. 2E, the recovery process continues with the flexible rod 104 continuing to pivot or move relative to the base portion 102 in response to the aircraft's momentum. In FIG. 2E, for example, the flexible rod 104 has moved past the generally vertical arrangement and is now angled or canted away from the aircraft's incoming flight path. The second portion 112 continues to flex or bend in response to the landing forces from the aircraft 200. As the aircraft 200 rapidly decelerates, the forces are transferred from the aircraft 200 to the flexible rod 104 and, in turn, to the energy capture and dissipation assembly 108. In this way, the system 100 can absorb a significant amount of the aircraft's landing forces. Moreover, because the stresses on the aircraft 200 during capture operations are primarily exerted on the wing structures during impact, the delicate components (e.g., turret, pitot tubes, etc.) at a nose portion of the aircraft 200 and the other fragile portions of the aircraft 200 experience few or no stresses during capture and recovery operations.

Referring to FIG. 2F, the aircraft 200 has come to a complete or approximately complete stop and remains secured to the flexible rod 104. As mentioned previously, the assembly 108 is configured to provide precise control of the forces associated with capture and recovery of the aircraft 200, and help inhibit, reduce, and/or eliminate damage to the aircraft 200 during capture operations. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the aircraft 200 is suspended above the ground and away from other external structures after capture, and can be quickly and easily retrieved from the flexible rod 104 by ground personnel (not shown).

One feature of embodiments of the system 100 and methods described above with reference to FIGS. 1-2F is that the system 100 can be quickly deployed and configured for landing operations in a variety of different environments and operational conditions. Many conventional recovery systems, for example, require elaborate and complex components that are relatively immobile and require a significant amount time and expense to deploy. In contrast with such conventional systems, the system 100 is a modular system that can be easily transported in a partially assembled or disassembled state to a wide variety of different operational environments, and quickly assembled and deployed for landing operations with minimal manpower. In addition, because the system 100 has a much smaller footprint than many conventional systems, the system 100 can be used in a wide variety of different operational environments and conditions where use of many conventional systems may be impracticable. Moreover, the aircraft 200 can be quickly recovered from the system 100 after landing operations and prepared for storage and/or another mission.

Another feature of embodiments of the system 100 described above is that they can be used to recover aircraft having a variety of different configurations in addition to the aircraft 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2F. One advantage of this feature is that the system 100 can be used with existing fleets of unmanned aircraft without requiring expensive and/or time-consuming modifications to such aircraft. Furthermore, because the system 100 can be used with a variety of different aircraft, a single system 100 may be deployed and used for landing operations in a particular area or region for an entire fleet of different unmanned aircraft.

FIGS. 3A-3G are partially schematic illustrations of the system 100 recovering an unmanned aircraft 300 in flight and controlling post-recovery motion of the aircraft 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example, are a top view and a side view, respectively, of the aircraft 300 approaching the system 100 before capture. The methods described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3G differ from the techniques described above in that the aircraft 300 has a different configuration than the aircraft 200. More specifically, rather than intercepting the flexible rod 104 with a wing of the aircraft as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, the aircraft 300 includes a capture assembly 320 configured to engage or hook onto a portion of the flexible rod 104 and capture the aircraft 300.

The capture assembly 320 can include, for example, one or more deployable flexible support lines 322 (e.g., ropes or cables) attached to each wing 202 and positioned to engage the free end of the flexible rod 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the support line 322 is attached to a top portion of each wing 202 at least proximate to a lateral axis through a center of gravity (CG) of the aircraft 300. As discussed in greater detail below, attaching the support line 322 along the lateral axis through the CG of the aircraft 300 can cause the aircraft 300 to pitch up during recovery and can help provide additional deceleration during such operations. The capture assembly 320 can also include an engagement feature 324 (e.g., a hook, etc.) carried by the flexible rod 104 and positioned to releasably engage the support line 322. In other embodiments, the engagement feature 324 can include different features and/or have a different arrangement. In at least some embodiments, the support line 322 may also include weights or other aerodynamic features (not shown) to help the support line 322 maintain proper shape and position in flight relative to the aircraft 300 and the engagement feature 324.

One feature of the capture assembly 320 is that the support line 322 is attached to each wing 202 at natural strong points of the wings 202. Such points are already designed to withstand significant loads and, accordingly, additional wing and/or fuselage support structures are not expected to be necessary to withstand the forces associated with capture and recovery of the aircraft 300. Moreover, the aircraft's control surfaces and other fragile portions of the aircraft 300 experience few or no stresses during capture operations.

Referring next to FIG. 3C, the support line 322 intercepts and engages the second portion 112 of the flexible rod 104. The engagement feature 324 receives and retains part of the support line 322, thus securing the aircraft 300 to the flexible rod 104. Referring now to FIG. 3D, the aircraft 300 begins to pitch up and decelerate after capture, thereby moving the flexible rod 104 from its initial angled or canted arrangement to a generally vertical position. As mentioned above, the support line 322 is anchored at least proximate to a lateral axis through a CG of the aircraft 300. Accordingly, after capture of the support line 322 by the flexible rod 104, the momentum of the aircraft 300 causes the aircraft 300 to pitch up to a generally nose-high attitude and hold in a deep stall. One advantage of this feature is that it allows the support line 322 to quickly induce aerodynamic decelerations forces on the aircraft 300, while initially producing upward momentum of the aircraft 300. This feature is expected to help quickly decelerate the aircraft 300 and reduce or minimize the possibility of the aircraft 300 contacting the ground or other external structure during capture operations.

Referring now to FIG. 3E, the recovery process continues with the flexible rod 104 continuing to pivot or move relative to the base portion 102 in response to the aircraft's momentum. The flexible rod 104, for example, is now angled or canted away from the aircraft's incoming flight path. The second portion 112 continues to flex or bend in response to the landing forces from the aircraft 300. As the aircraft 300 rapidly decelerates, the forces from the aircraft 300 are transferred to the flexible rod 104 and the energy capture and dissipation assembly 108. Referring to FIG. 3F, the aircraft 300 has come to a complete or approximately complete stop and remains secured to the flexible rod 104 via the support line 322. The length of the support line 322 can be selected such that the aircraft 300 remains suspended above and out of contact with the ground or other external structure after capture.

FIGS. 4A-4D are partially schematic illustrations of a system 400 configured to recover an unmanned aircraft (e.g., the aircraft 200 or aircraft 300 discussed above) in flight and control post-recovery motion of the aircraft in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure. The aircraft recovery system 400 can include several features generally similar to the system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1. The system 400 can include, for example, a base portion 402 and an elongated flexible rod or aircraft capture member 404 attached to the base portion 402. The flexible rod 404 can include a first portion 410 and a second portion 412 at a distal end of the first portion 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 412 is an elongated wire attached to an end of the first portion 410. In other embodiments, however, the first portion 410 and/or second portion 412 may be composed of different material(s) and/or have a different arrangement. For example, in some embodiments the flexible rod 404 may not include separate portions, or the flexible rod 404 may include three or more discrete portions.

At least one of the first and second portions 410 and 412 is operably coupled to a tension line or takeup line 414 (shown and described below with reference to FIG. 4B). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the tension line 414 is attached to the second portion 412 of the flexible rod 404. The system 400 also includes a tension reel 408 operably coupled to the tension line 414 and configured to wind/unwind the tension line 414 during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension reel 408 is carried by the base portion 402 and positioned to wind/unwind the tension line 414. In other embodiments, however, the tension reel 408 can have a different arrangement relative to the other components in the system 400 and/or may include different features. For example, the tension reel 408 may be positioned at a variety of different locations relative to the base portion 402 and/or the flexible rod 404.

Referring next to FIG. 4B, the aircraft 200 intercepts the flexible rod 404, and the second portion 412 of the flexible rod 404 and the leading edge 210 of one of the wings 202 slide relative to each other toward the corresponding engagement device 216. After the engagement device 216 at the outboard edge 214 of the wing 202 receives and retains part of the second portion 412, the aircraft 200 begins to yaw or rotate about the flexible rod 404. The force of impact with the aircraft 200 also causes the entire flexible rod 404 (both the first and second portions 410 and 412) to bend or bow. As the flexible rod 404 bends, any slack in the tension line 414 is taken up by the tension reel 408. Keeping the tension line 414 relatively taut can help keep the flexible rod 404 in a flexed or bent configuration, and help transfer the momentum and capture forces from the aircraft 200 to the system 400. In other embodiments, the second portion 412 may be at least partially extendable in response to the momentum of the aircraft 200. In one embodiment, for example, the second portion 412 can extend or spool out relative to the first portion 410 a selected distance after impact of the aircraft 200.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, the flexible rod 404 has moved from its initial, generally vertical arrangement to an angled or canted arrangement as the aircraft 200 continues to yaw or pivot about the flexible rod 404. Moreover, the flexible rod 404 continues to flex or bend in response to the forces from the aircraft 200. Referring to FIG. 4D, the aircraft 200 has come to a complete or approximately complete stop and remains secured to the flexible rod 404. The tension line 414 remains generally taut, which can help keep the aircraft 200 suspended above the ground and away from other external structures after capture. In this arrangement, the aircraft 200 can be quickly and easily retrieved from the flexible rod 404 by ground personnel (not shown).

In other embodiments, the systems and methods described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4D can be used in conjunction with aircraft having configurations different than those of the aircraft 200/300 described above. For example, in one embodiment an aircraft can include generally unswept wings. In another embodiment, an aircraft can include delta wings. Further, the aircraft can have propulsion systems that are different than and/or arranged differently than those described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4D. In any of these further embodiments, the aircraft can remain compatible with some or all of the systems and methods above for capturing and controlling post-capture motion of the aircraft.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate elongated aircraft capture members and aircraft recovery systems configured in accordance with other embodiments the disclosure. The aircraft capture members and systems of FIGS. 5A-5C can be used with the aircraft, systems, and methods described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4D. In addition, the aircraft capture members and recovery systems described below can include many of the same features and advantages of the systems and methods described above.

FIG. 5A, for example, is a partially schematic illustration of a distal portion of an elongated flexible rod or aircraft capture member 502 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. The aircraft capture member 502 includes an inner inflatable portion 504 and an outer engagement portion or sheath 506 at least partially covering the inner inflatable portion 504. The inflatable portion 504 can include one or more bladders filled to a desired pressure with a gas (e.g., air) using a gas source 508. The pressurized aircraft capture member 502 can accordingly extend in a generally vertical or angled/canted configuration (e.g., similar to the elongated flexible rods or aircraft capture members described above). The outer sheath 506 can be composed of a relatively soft, rope-like material or other suitable material configured to provide better grip for a hook portion carried by the aircraft. The outer sheath 506 is configured to directly engage the aircraft (not shown) during capture operations, as well as protect the inner inflatable portion 504 from damage and/or puncture.

In operation, the aircraft capture member 502 has an initially deflated, non-rigid arrangement (e.g., a deflated balloon). After energizing the gas source 508 and inflating the inner inflatable portion 504 to a desired pressure, the aircraft capture member 502 has a configuration generally similar to the arrangement of the flexible rod 104 of FIG. 1, and can be positioned at a desired orientation (e.g., generally vertical or canted relative to the ground and the aircraft to be captured. In several embodiments, one or more flexible lines, capture devices, and/or engagement members can be carried by or coupled to the aircraft capture member 502 and positioned to releasably engage the aircraft during capture and recovery operations.

FIG. 5B is a partially schematic illustration of still another embodiment of an aircraft capture member 520 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the aircraft capture member 520 includes an inner tubing or bladder 522 operably coupled to a gas source 530, and an outer engagement portion or sheath 524 at least partially covering the inner tubing 522. The aircraft capture member 520 further includes a thruster 526 coupled to the inner tubing 522 and outer sheath 524. The inner tubing 522 and outer sheath 524 are arranged relative to each other in a telescoping arrangement. In operation, the thruster 526 can be activated (e.g., using the gas source 530) and can pull up or extend the outer sheath 524 to a desired elevation above the local surface (e.g., ground) as the thruster 526 is launched away from its initial position. In this way, the aircraft capture member 520 can have an elongated, generally vertical arrangement (e.g., similar to the flexible rod 104 of FIG. 1) positioned to intercept an aircraft in flight for capture and recovery operations.

FIG. 5C is a partially schematic illustration of an aircraft recovery system 540 configured in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the disclosure. The system 540 includes an elongated flexible rod or aircraft capture member 542 having a first portion 544 and one or more second portions 546 (two are shown in broken lines as 546 a and 546 b) positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight. It will be appreciated that the system 540 may include only a single second portion 546, or may include more than two second portions 546 extending from the first portion 542. The second portions 546 can have material characteristics and features generally similar to the second portions 112/412 described above. The system 540 differs from the systems described above in that rather than having an elongated rod or aircraft recovery member with an initial, generally linear and generally vertical arrangement, the second portions 546 a and 546 b of the system 540 are initially curved or non-linear. Moreover, each of the second portions 546 a and 546 b has a first end attached to the first portion 544 of the aircraft capture member 542 and a second end attached to the local surface (e.g., the ground) or another suitable structure. In several embodiments, the second ends of the individual second portions 546 may be configured to break free or become detached when the tension in the respective line exceeds a threshold value. In still other embodiments, the second ends of the individual second portions 546 may remain free rather than being attached to the local surface or another structure. After capture and recovery operations, the second portions 546 can reach a final state or arrangement (as shown by line 547) and the aircraft 200 can be retrieved from the line.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the flexible rods described above can have a telescoping arrangement with the second portions (and any additional portions) of the individual rods at least partially received within the first portions in a stowed configuration before or after operation. Further, any of the flexible rods described above can include one or more engagement members (e.g., hooks, loops, multiple loops, etc.) at or near the top portion of the flexible rod and positioned to engage the aircraft directly and/or engage a capture assembly carried by the aircraft. Moreover, although the aircraft capture members described above have a generally upward, vertical orientation, the flexible rods may also be suspended from a suitable support structure in a generally downward orientation for capture and recovery operations.

Specific elements of any of the foregoing embodiments can be combined or substituted for elements in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited except as by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. An aircraft recovery system for handling an unmanned aircraft, the system comprising: a base portion; an elongated aircraft capture member having a first end movably coupled to the base portion and a second, free end opposite the first end, wherein the aircraft capture member has a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion and positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight, and wherein at least one of the first and second portions is generally flexible, and further wherein the first and second portions are generally aligned with each other and both extend along a longitudinal axis of the elongated aircraft capture member; and an energy capture and dissipation assembly operably coupled to the aircraft capture member and positioned to receive at least a portion of the landing forces from the aircraft.
 2. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the aircraft capture member is movably coupled to the base portion via an attachment member, and wherein the aircraft capture member is positioned to pivotably move between an angled and a generally vertical orientation relative to the base portion.
 3. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein: the first portion of the aircraft capture member has a first stiffness; and the second portion of the aircraft capture member has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.
 4. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein: the first portion of the aircraft capture member has a first length and a first cross-sectional dimension; and the second portion of the aircraft capture member has a second length less than the first length, and a second cross-sectional dimension less than the first cross-sectional dimension.
 5. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are composed of the same material.
 6. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are composed of different materials.
 7. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are composed of a carbon fiber material.
 8. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are composed of a carbon graphite material.
 9. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are integral with each other.
 10. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are separate, discrete components that are attached together.
 11. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein at least part of the second portion is coated with a soft, flexible sheath material configured to engage at least a portion of the aircraft, and wherein the sheath material is selected to provide a desired level of friction between the aircraft and the aircraft capture member.
 12. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the aircraft capture member is an elongated, generally flexible rod.
 13. The aircraft recovery system of claim 1 wherein the energy capture and dissipation assembly comprises at least one of the following: a hydraulic damper, a pneumatic damper, plastically deforming material, a passive takeup reel, or a brake.
 14. An aircraft recovery system for recovering an unmanned aircraft in flight, the system comprising: a base portion; means for capturing an aircraft attached to and extending away from the base portion, wherein the means for capturing an aircraft includes— a first end pivotably coupled to the base portion via a joint and a second, free end opposite the first end; and a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion, wherein the second portion is positioned to intercept an unmanned aircraft in flight, and wherein at least one of the first and second portions is generally flexible, and further wherein the first and second portions are generally aligned with each other and both extend along a longitudinal axis of the means for capturing the aircraft; and means for capturing and dissipating energy from the aircraft operably coupled to the means for capturing the aircraft, wherein the means for capturing and dissipating energy is positioned to receive at least a portion of the aircraft's kinetic energy.
 15. The aircraft recovery system of claim 14 wherein the means for capturing and dissipating energy comprises a flexible rod composed of at least one of the following: a carbon fiber material, a carbon graphite material, fiberglass, a carbon/graphite composite material, a graphite/boron composite material, or bamboo.
 16. The aircraft recovery system of claim 14 wherein the means for capturing and dissipating energy is carried by the base portion.
 17. The aircraft recovery system of claim 14 wherein: the means for capturing the aircraft has an initial, generally vertical orientation before the unmanned aircraft intercepts the means for capturing the aircraft in flight; and the means for capturing and dissipating energy comprises a tension line attached to the second portion of the means for capturing the aircraft, and a tension reel operably coupled to the tension line and configured wind and/or unwind the tension line during operation.
 18. A method for recovering an unmanned aircraft in flight, the method comprising: flying an unmanned aircraft to intercept an elongated flexible rod having a first end movably coupled to a base portion in contact with a local support surface, and a second, free end opposite the first end, wherein the flexible rod has a first portion and a second portion at a distal end of the first portion and positioned to intercept the unmanned aircraft, and wherein the first and second portions are generally aligned with each other and both extend along a longitudinal axis of the elongated flexible rod, and further wherein at least one of the first and second portions is generally flexible; and releasably capturing the aircraft with the flexible rod, wherein at least a portion of the flexible rod is configured to flex during capture in response to the landing forces from the aircraft.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising suspending the aircraft from the flexible rod and out of contact the local support surface or ground after releasably capturing the aircraft.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein the flexible rod is operably coupled to an energy capture and dissipation assembly, and wherein releasably capturing the aircraft with the flexible rod further comprises transferring the landing forces from the aircraft to the energy capture and dissipation assembly via the flexible rod.
 21. The method of claim 18 wherein the flexible rod has an initial, first angled orientation relative to the base portion, and wherein releasably capturing the aircraft with the flexible rod comprises pivotably moving the flexible rod from the first angled orientation through a generally vertical position and to a second, angled orientation relative to the base portion different than the first angled orientation.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein: flying the unmanned aircraft to intercept the elongated flexible rod comprises flying the unmanned aircraft such that a leading edge of a wing of the aircraft intercepts the second portion of the flexible rod at the second, free end of the flexible rod; and releasably capturing the aircraft with the flexible rod comprises releasably engaging the second portion of the flexible rod with a capture device at an outboard edge of the wing. 